Veterans free meals. OK or NOKAY

[da prez]

   The wife and I went to Texas Road House in Crystal Lake Il. Place was packed and had a 1 hour wait time. I called at 9:00 am and talked to kid(?) about a reservation. You do not need one as we will not be buisy. Just come in and we will seat you right away. As I checked in , I told the hostess about calling. They figured out who the D-A was.   O-K the service was good considering the crowd , food was O-K. The waiter was good. I can't stand when we go out (wife and I) and the address us as what can I get you guys. More than once I have said " she has breasts". The waiter said ladies first and addressed her as maam.  Overall  I would go back but not thke a date there if I was dating.

                                              da prez 

[solo1]

My son, Wayne, an Air force vet, and I went to Applebee's . It was crowded but the service was good. There was a special menu for vets .  The food was good and the service was excellent.  

[czuch]

Absolutely they should provide free meals to Vets. Maybe on more holidays.
If they can sponsor a NASCAR car, dot dot dot.
Dont get me wrong, I'm all for free market and Capitalism over all.
I'm not a "You make too much" kinda guy. Make all you can,,,,,do it clean.
I dont participate because of the crowds. Just my preference.
Plus, Thats liver and onions night.

[R J]

It was tooooooooo firkin cold here. It was a hi of 17* with a horrendous wind.   

BJ & I never left the house.

She fixed a Tamale (sp) Casserole and it was delicious.

Told her this old Vet said thank you and she gave me a hug.

Then the weather turned off to 17* and my Arthur-I-Tis set in.

I got maybe 2 hours of sleep all night.   Was up and down, the heating pad wouldn't even help my hip.

I don't know if the weather changed or if I happened to walk it off.   I figured I kept the other 1/2's sleep disturbed, but she said she never knew I was up and down.

I know one thing, I'm going to have a hellish good nap this afternoon, I HOPE.

[cookiedough]

Absolutely they should provide free meals to Vets. Maybe on more holidays.
If they can sponsor a NASCAR car, dot dot dot.
Dont get me wrong, I'm all for free market and Capitalism over all.
I'm not a "You make too much" kinda guy. Make all you can,,,,,do it clean.
I dont participate because of the crowds. Just my preference.
Plus, Thats liver and onions night.

Nah,  Spam.

Vets do get some pretty good perks all around, but they deserve them as well.

[MarkT]

We stayed home.  Besides, it's colder than a witch's tit and the furnace said "I'm tired of this" and took a vacation.  Had to get a HVAC guy in here to convince it, not retirement time yet.  I have never taken the free meals offered.  Just don't care for the crowds, or asking for the thanks.  Don't wear the hat either.  There are others who had it much rougher than I did I'll let those heros have the kudos.  I do keep a miniature copy of my DD214 in my wallet just in case I get asked to prove I'm a vet.  Only needed it once for some purchase then couldn't find it.  Too many membership cards and receipts...

[Willow]

Mama and I went to Applebees where we were served by my youngest.

There was a good sized crowd.  The staff knocked themselves out with the best service they could provide.  They didn't have time or space on that day to take their regular breaks for meals so Applebees bought some catered wraps (60) from Mama for the serving staff to catch on the run.  Mama threw in several dozen chocolate covered strawberries.

I was humbled.  Mama and I only occupied two seats so I offered the hostess to seat anyone else needing only two seats in our booth.  We got to share the time with an ex-Seabee and his two year old daughter.  I had a good time.

I try not to focus so much on what we're owed when something is offered in sacrifice.  No one owes me a return for my time in the Marine Corps.  Those years were an extended adventure for me and had a large part in making me who I am today.  I owe my country for that.  There are some who significantly risked their lives for you and me.  I do owe them.

Applebees did a great job and treated all veterans with preferential respect.  I had a good time.    

[PAVALKER]

On Sunday I went for a free VETs meal to a McCormick and Schmidts Seafood Restaurant.  First and last time there.  I had a free dinner entree, which was normally 19.99 and did not include salad.   Cheapest salad was 6.99 (lettuce wedge with bacon bits and Blue Cheese) and I'm glad I got it.....cause I only received 6 heavily breaded shrimp and a  limited amount of fries which would have fit in a small McDs fries bag, and not nearly as good.   GF had a 17.99 chicken meal and we only drank water with our meal as we usually do.  Oh, the bread tasted heavy on the yeast and the so called butter like Mazola corn oil.  Needless to say, that free meal cost us 35.00 with tip and of course a parking fee.

Applebee's is great, they do a fine job and the food is very tasty.  Their steak is very tasty and last night I had their shrimp.... 16 shrimp and plenty of tasty fries.

Sheetz had free 6in Turkey subs and a drink, and toppings were included.  I got a Double meat premium turkey sub, with bacon, onions, peppers on a toasted pretzel roll....that I just re toasted for brunch.  It was great.

Red Lobster has select free appetizers daily until Thursday.  I did sample one on Monday at their bar, for lunch.  I will be going back today for the Crab Stuffed mushrooms when I head out to run errands and visit mom.  Very good.  And it comes with a basket of 4 cheddar bay biscuits.  Might do it again tomorrow if I am in the area.

A few places do it next Monday, Golden Corral for one.  I always go there, and I really enjoy sitting at tables with other older Vets and listen to their stories.  Some of those guys won't be around much longer....and their stories always entertain or amaze me.

I applaud most all these restaurants that provide a free meal, and enjoy the opportunity to share a meal, conversation and commraderie with other Vets at a larger table.  Some of the lesser liked and visited places that offer a free individual dessert with the purchase of a meal....won't get my business on Vets days, or most other days....unfortunately for them.  Who would pass on a free meal at Applebee's, Olive Garden or the others to buy a meal for a free individual dessert.....not me.

[solo1]

While no one was lookin' I modified my post and spelled Applebee's right.

I had  about 14 great shrimp. fries, and cole slaw. Wayne had a sirloin steak. I can't say enough of how well we were treated.  When we left we had to leave by the back door, the front door entrance was crammed.

As Carl said, i too, don't expect free anything but it' nice of Applebee's to do this.

[Rams]

<<--- Put in a twelve hour day at work, by the time I got home, my poor knees were killing me.   
Wouldn't have gone out for the "free" meal anyway but, I do appreciate the offer.

Thanks to all who served, past, present and future.   

[G-Man]

Mama and I went to Applebees where we were served by my youngest.

There was a good sized crowd.  The staff knocked themselves out with the best service they could provide.  They didn't have time or space on that day to take their regular breaks for meals so Applebees bought some catered wraps (60) from Mama for the serving staff to catch on the run.  Mama threw in several dozen chocolate covered strawberries.

I was humbled.  Mama and I only occupied two seats so I offered the hostess to seat anyone else needing only two seats in our booth.  We got to share the time with an ex-Seabee and his two year old daughter.  I had a good time.

I try not to focus so much on what we're owed when something is offered in sacrifice.  No one owes me a return for my time in the Marine Corps.  Those years were an extended adventure for me and had a large part in making me who I am today.  I owe my country for that.  There are some who significantly risked their lives for you and me.  I do owe them.

Applebees did a great job and treated all veterans with preferential respect.  I had a good time.    

Nice!

[G-Man]

We're forced to provide free meals for children who's parents have children they can't afford or who's parents scam the system.

Providing a meal, once a year, for someone who actually did something for us??  Absolutely!!   

[Valkjerk]

Solo, I too, had lunch with my son at Applebee's. Couldn't have been better. My Wednesday night riding gang sometimes goes to Applebee's so the waitress recognized me but not as a veteran. My thanks to this franchise for their patriotism.

[Master Blaster]

I went the other way, threw an early Thanksgiving dinner for all the seniors in our church.  Had about 50, many vets, and a few vets widows, one from WW2, a few in their 90s.  Great time was had by all, and don't ever let anyone tell you that Geezers don't eat much. LOL  Did a couple of turkeys on the spit, a ham, and all the usual vegies,  trimmings, and deserts.  Had very little leftover which is a good thing.  Almost a disaster, halfway through cooking the first bird, the spit motor quit.  No one in the area had one, so I operated on the dead one and with a few modifications and bailing wire got it back together working.  Had a few parts left over, but worked great to finish both birds.  Made my day.

[czuch]

CookieDough,,,,,.
MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmSPAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

[Varmintmist]

My father and and I went to Applebees and had a decent meal with good service.

I don't figure anyone owes me anything, but it is nice of them to do.

[..]

I went the other way, threw an early Thanksgiving dinner for all the seniors in our church.  Had about 50, many vets, and a few vets widows, one from WW2, a few in their 90s.  Great time was had by all, and don't ever let anyone tell you that Geezers don't eat much. LOL  Did a couple of turkeys on the spit, a ham, and all the usual vegies,  trimmings, and deserts.  Had very little leftover which is a good thing.  Almost a disaster, halfway through cooking the first bird, the spit motor quit.  No one in the area had one, so I operated on the dead one and with a few modifications and bailing wire got it back together working.  Had a few parts left over, but worked great to finish both birds.  Made my day.

Well done 

[John Schmidt]

We didn't make it to one of the local restaurants for a free meal, but did go to a local supermarket for some grocery shopping. It's Publix, one of the large southern chains and headquartered in Florida. As we were checking out, my wife patted the young kid on the arm and pointed to a sign under the card swipe machine; 10% discount for all Vets. He looked at me, smiled and gave a thumbs up....then said he'd be happy to do it. Knocked about $16 off the bill, I appreciated that. I still miss the SOS the way they used to put it together, although my honey tries and comes close.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

I`ve never felt like i should get something for free because I was in the military. I feel we are square, they paid, fed, and housed me. I don`t begrudge anyone that gets something, its just not for me. If I had been in a war I probably would feel different. But I really made no great sacrifices and I got to travel the world on the govt. dime.

[BF]

<<--- Put in a twelve hour day at work, by the time I got home, my poor knees were killing me.   
Wouldn't have gone out for the "free" meal anyway but, I do appreciate the offer.

Thanks to all who served, past, present and future.   

I had to work a 12 hour shift yesterday also.  No desire to go out and fight the crowds, but like you, I appreciate the offer.   

On a different note, I work with a couple Obama voters.  One of them came in today and told me that he went to Hooters yesterday and got a free meal when they asked him if he was a veteran.  HE'S NEVER BEEN IN THE MILITARY.  I told him he's disgusting and despicable.   

The other one thinks eating is a sport.  He went to every free meal that he could....even had them planned out and mapped out to his plan of attack and planned to eat as much as he could yesterday.  And yes, he's very obese and a diabetic....but doesn't take his meds and eats for a hobby.   

[scooperhsd]

I don't generally take advantage of Vet deals, but last night we did goto Red Robin for a free tavern double burger meal for me. Mostly - I have taken advantage to get my VA house loan, and that's been about it.

[..]

<<--- Put in a twelve hour day at work, by the time I got home, my poor knees were killing me.   
Wouldn't have gone out for the "free" meal anyway but, I do appreciate the offer.

Thanks to all who served, past, present and future.   

I had to work a 12 hour shift yesterday also.  No desire to go out and fight the crowds, but like you, I appreciate the offer.   

On a different note, I work with a couple Obama voters.  One of them came in today and told me that he went to Hooters yesterday and got a free meal when they asked him if he was a veteran.  HE'S NEVER BEEN IN THE MILITARY.  I told him he's disgusting and despicable.   

The other one thinks eating is a sport.  He went to every free meal that he could....even had them planned out and mapped out to his plan of attack and planned to eat as much as he could yesterday.  And yes, he's very obese and a diabetic....but doesn't take his meds and eats for a hobby.   

#1 is disgusting

#2 is just dumb.

[TWiesen]

I just want to say to all of you who served whether in wartime or not, thank you.  Humble or not, y'all deserve more.  I get to enjoy our freedoms because of brave individuals like yourselves.  Thank you.

[da prez]

  This is the first time I ever did this. I saw many vets from all eras. No, I am not owed, I just wanted to show my pride.  I also saw at least one fake. I kept quiet.

   I did not open this to start a fight , just to get input on restuarants.

                             da prez

[Oldfishguy]

US Army vet 1980-83 Sergeant E5

Funny how things change over time.

I joined right out of high school; all my peers were headed off to college.  The financial resources were not there for me for what I wanted to do (pilot), and the recruiter crafted me a plan to make it happen.  I will always be grateful for his wisdom and directness.  I was a helicopter mechanic that went to school 2-3 nights a week and saved my money, spent a few years in Europe, and met a lot of good people. 

After 3 years though I was ready to get out, counted down the days is putting it lightly. But now I find myself returning in some form back in time:  I still use my original dog tags on my key chains; My biker boots are new US Army issue I found on ebay from my service era: I wear Army t shirts while at the gym etc . . . 

After time I have realized what a gift I was forced into and what I got out of it far outweighs any negatives. "Be All You Can Be"  still rings for me.  Those of us that served in peacetime know the true heros are the combat vets, each and every one of them.  It is nice to see our country embracing our current conflict of vets.  (corporate hiring attempts, improving medical, etc.)  Although not perfect, every little bit helps.

For those interested in military t craps, hats, etc. I have had good luck just visiting the local recruiters office.  I just go in once a year and ask the local recruiter for a workout shirt or two.  I present myself nicely and tell them when I was in, show them my dog tag and to the back room we go.  Good luck and wear it with pride. 


With just my dogtag in hand, TGI Fridays for lunch, it was great!
   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I wish I had kept my dog tags and other stuff. When I got out I was ready to be done with all of that. I did keep my Cracker Jacks but I'm too fat for them now.

[Art708]

I`ve never felt like i should get something for free because I was in the military. I feel we are square, they paid, fed, and housed me. I don`t begrudge anyone that gets something, its just not for me. If I had been in a war I probably would feel different. But I really made no great sacrifices and I got to travel the world on the govt. dime.

   I am in agreement with your way of thinking. I never do the free veteran thing. I figure if I can afford to pay then I'll eat out. Nobody owes me anything for the 21 years I spent in the military, well...other than the government who is taking away all they promised us.

[RDKLL]

I was in off-site training and got free coffee from Wawa's (look it up, they are great). At work on Wed (www.americanmuscle.com) I had walked away from my desk and when I got back there was a $25 gift card for Veterans Day.
The place I worked before gave veterans the day off with pay.

[czuch]

I fell at work 3 weeks ago. Did a great job. I broke 3 ribs a couple of inches off my spine and 2 of those cracked just under my arm. The sternum was wrenched and hurts like the dickens. As an added bonus, From the angle of the pointy object I landed on I collapsed part of a lower lobe of my lung. I go to the corpo doc and he tells my go home and lay down, dont do anything for a few days. I was back at work Sunday,,,,,slowly.
Told ya that to tell you this,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
As I was checking out the gal asked if I was a Vet. Then she handed me a Subway  gift card.
Signed by the Doc, for all the Vets that go there. I got back to the truck and just melted down.
It was about 15 minutes before I could drive.
I was, "whaaa,,OOWWWWW,waaaaa,OWWWWW,whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,OOWWWW".
You get the idea.

[R J]

As far as free meals for Vets, that is fine and dandy.

However, I'd rather see them give a FREE meal to the homeless.

Some of them are Vets and don't have the paperwork to prove it.

My Drivers License has VETERAN in red letters on it, but that was not good enough for Applebee's.   They wanted a DD214, dog tags, ID card and or etc.

We used to patronize them quite regular.  Afraid it will be a LONG time before we do now.     It even pissed off Red, so when I said Thanks but we won't be eating today or ever again and we walked out, she never said anything, just got up and lead the way out.

[Willow]

My Drivers License has VETERAN in red letters on it, but that was not good enough for Applebee's.   They wanted a DD214, dog tags, ID card and or etc.

The one employee was simply trying to comply with corporate directions.  They were well publicized and the "or etc." (That's redundant, by the way.) was quite lenient including any picture of the veteran in his uniform.  Most at my Applebees didn't bother with the proof and simply took the veterans at their word.

If you get that upset, R J, over a meal you wouldn't have to pay for, I understand your not wanting to eat there.  Not a real problem.  I'll eat there enough for both of us.

I asked my wife if we could just go home and let the crowd have our seats rather than eat a free meal.  She said that I should not ignore what my friends had done to do something good for me.  So I didn't.  I did try to include a significant part of the price in the tip. 

[Chrisj CMA]

I don't eat at Applebees free or not free.....just never liked it much.  I use military discounts whenever I can and remember I can but Im sure I have paid full price way more times than I had to had I known or remembered to use the discount.

BTW my retired ID is with my drivers license and one is just as imperative to have on me as the other.  Do some not carry the retired ID any longer?  well, you should

[R J]

I don't eat at Applebees free or not free.....just never liked it much.  I use military discounts whenever I can and remember I can but Im sure I have paid full price way more times than I had to had I known or remembered to use the discount.

BTW my retired ID is with my drivers license and one is just as imperative to have on me as the other.  Do some not carry the retired ID any longer?  well, you should

If I was retired Military I would carry the card.

I do carry my CHP retired card.

Willow, after standing in that line for a long period of time, I wasn't in any mood for any BS from the Manager.   The waitress took my license to show him and he brought it back saying it was not a valid item to show service in the Military.   Iowa added that item to the license, & if asked for they will put it on your license if you have proof of service.

That was Iowa's intent, to show proof of service.    Yeah, I suppose if they knew the right people it could be forged.

[PAVALKER]

I don't eat at Applebees free or not free.....just never liked it much.  I use military discounts whenever I can and remember I can but Im sure I have paid full price way more times than I had to had I known or remembered to use the discount.

BTW my retired ID is with my drivers license and one is just as imperative to have on me as the other.  Do some not carry the retired ID any longer?  well, you should

If I was retired Military I would carry the card.

I do carry my CHP retired card.

Willow, after standing in that line for a long period of time, I wasn't in any mood for any BS from the Manager.   The waitress took my license to show him and he brought it back saying it was not a valid item to show service in the Military.   Iowa added that item to the license, & if asked for they will put it on your license if you have proof of service.

That was Iowa's intent, to show proof of service.    Yeah, I suppose if they knew the right people it could be forged.

I have never had to show my retired ID card or VA card at Applebee's, Golden Corral or a few others. I have offered it and displayed it many times even when I wasn't asked, just so there was no doubt on their part.  I always display it at Home Depot or Lowes for their Military discount (10pct).  If you visit the VA, belong to the VFW or the like....most of those forms of ID were also accepted.   I can understand that your state may have required you to show proof of service for you to get that on your license. But, unfortunately, maybe those establishments didn't have that method as an approved for of identification.  Maybe you should lead the charge for them to accept it, and bring it to their attention, not only for your benefit but others as well...

[BF]

We stayed home.  Besides, it's colder than a witch's tit and the furnace said "I'm tired of this" and took a vacation.  Had to get a HVAC guy in here to convince it, not retirement time yet.  I have never taken the free meals offered.  Just don't care for the crowds, or asking for the thanks.  Don't wear the hat either.  There are others who had it much rougher than I did I'll let those heros have the kudos.  I do keep a miniature copy of my DD214 in my wallet just in case I get asked to prove I'm a vet.  Only needed it once for some purchase then couldn't find it.  Too many membership cards and receipts...

How do you get a wallet sized DD214? 

Is that something one can get from the government, or just take my old DD214 to a Kinko's or Office Depot and have them shrink it up and laminate it for me?

[PAVALKER]

We stayed home.  Besides, it's colder than a witch's tit and the furnace said "I'm tired of this" and took a vacation.  Had to get a HVAC guy in here to convince it, not retirement time yet.  I have never taken the free meals offered.  Just don't care for the crowds, or asking for the thanks.  Don't wear the hat either.  There are others who had it much rougher than I did I'll let those heros have the kudos.  I do keep a miniature copy of my DD214 in my wallet just in case I get asked to prove I'm a vet.  Only needed it once for some purchase then couldn't find it.  Too many membership cards and receipts...

How do you get a wallet sized DD214? 

Is that something one can get from the government, or just take my old DD214 to a Kinko's or Office Depot and have them shrink it up and laminate it for me?

Along with that mini DD214, you might also need to carry that wallet sized 10x magnifier card.   A friend of mine has his old pink ID that he got when discharged to inactive reserve.  Granted, he doesn't look like what he did on that ID....but they accept it.

[scooperhsd]

I took a DD214 to my local driver's license office and got the "Veteran"  put on it.  Much easier than carrying a DD214 with me... Yes - NC does it as well. But Red Robin just accepted my word. I suppose it helps that I still follow military grooming standards.

[BF]

Anybody know if you can get  "Veteran" put on a Florida driver's license?  Is it just certain states, or all of them that will do this?

[R J]

Anybody know if you can get  "Veteran" put on a Florida driver's license?  Is it just certain states, or all of them that will do this?

Call your DMV people.   They can tell ya.